Nov 02 2020
Valley
It was a perfect sunny day – the perfect day for a mini road trip. The sky was a cloudless, deep blue (I always think California skies have a certain depth and strength to their blueness that is special to the Golden State), with that clear, golden light of fall.
As I left the house, I noticed that Mr. Bear has a new technique:
He gets extra credit for creativity, but it’s less effective than his usual method. At least it left most of the trash in the can, instead of spread out everywhere. On the other hand (or paw), there is a bear-induced hole in the garbage can. I really thought he would have moved on by now, but some guys seem to find it hard to let go.
Putting ursine thoughts and destruction behind me, I made my way to the beautiful Valley through the ancient redwood trees. Sunlight filtered through the branches far above as I wended my way to wine country, where the vines were turning red, orange, and yellow, our version of fall color:
This time, I finally stopped to take a photo of this sign, which I have admired for years:
I don’t know who Art is or was, but I love his sign, which I consider to be art.
I headed to the General Store in Boonville, where I ordered a chicken salad sandwich and a lemonade and repaired to one of the wooden picnic tables overlooking the main drag:
I watched cars, people, and dogs go by in the balmy sunshine. It was probably around 80 degrees, a beautiful day to enjoy the warmth of a late fall day.
On my way home, I stopped in at Gowan’s farmstand:
It was brimming with pumpkins, apples, squashes, and other autumn produce:
I picked up some fresh walnuts, almonds, and sweet apple cider to take home with me and remind me of a perfect day in the beautiful Valley.
FIVE YEARS AGO: Oh, Roscoe. You were such a little rascal. I miss you every day.
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